Three Nail Myths: White Spots, Gelatin and Cuticles

From time to time everyone has had small white spots on their nails and wondered what caused them to appear, whether they were something to be worried about and what could be done to make them go away.

Truth: White spots on the nails are called punctate leukonychia and are the result of some type of mild trauma or bump that occurred to the nail bed. Removing artificial nails roughly or too firm a manicure could cause a white spot for the same reason. The white spot appears about 6 weeks after the injury, making it hard to remember what might have injured the nail. It also takes approximately 6 months for a finger nail to grow out entirely so you notice the white spot for a long time.

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Calcium deficiencies do not cause white spots though may contribute to brittle nails. A zinc deficiency is less likely because other more obvious symptoms would typically appear first. And eating too much mayonnaise is just silly.

If simple injuries to one’s nail can cause the appearances of white spots, then it is natural to wonder what could be done to strengthen our nails.

Truth: In 1890 when Knox gelatin was developed, Mr. Knox, being a smart salesman marketed gelatin as being good for nail growth since it was a source of protein and lack of protein was believed to contribute to poor nail growth. He promoted the image that because gelatin comes from cow’s hooves and they are very strong, your nails will be strong too if you use Knox gelatin. Gelatin is not a particularly good source of protein and in truth, many nail problems really come from lack of moisture, not a lack of protein.

Lack of moisture of our nails makes them susceptible to damage as they become dried and can split or become ragged. It is important to protect our nails from excess water exposure and harsh chemicals by wearing gloves and to use a moisturizer nightly for dry nails.

I love the boyfriend number equaling the white spots! I remember being told that white spots were from having been sick during that time period or an emotionally stressful event.

Zinc deficiencies are related to malnutrition from a variety of causes like malabsorption syndromes. A slew of other problems ie cognitive problems and organ problems occur so the occassional white spot is not supposed to indicate a zinc problem.

My mother kept plain Knox gelatin in the pantry as well to grow stronger nails. I think everyone back then believed it would help.

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I had never heard of the mayonnaise myth! However, in my day, the gelatin myth was very prevalent and girls at school would argue whether plain gelatin or just eating Jello would be the most beneficial. Then came the revelation of the main ingredient in non-plant based gelatin and no one wanted to "eat horse hooves."

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Thank you for that post. I get white spots from time to time especially on my right hand. Now I know it had nothing to do with lack of zinc, but just that I use and knock the nails on my right hand more. Thanks for the heads up!

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Good article. I think it's funny how many myths people can come up with for the white spots. When I was younger, the myth I heard the most was that each white spot was for every boyfriend you had. I had a friend who had LOTS of them...kinda made you wonder...

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